The Miracle Mile straddles Wilshire Blvd. for a stretch just west of Central LA. It was specifically developed as a commercial district in the 1920’s and quickly flourished. In fact, it was (and is) such a successful development that it caused fragmentation and decay in Downtown Los Angeles that still persist to some degree. The Miracle Mile is blanketed with posh Art Deco buildings. They house everything from office space to high-end shops to fine restaurants.

The area is extremely car-dependent—and by design; the “linear downtown” incorporated left-hand turning lanes, timed traffic lights, and dedicated parking lots for individual stores, all of which contributed not only to LA’s reputation as a car-dependent city, but also to urban development nationwide. The Miracle Mile is noted for its museums (LACMA, The Academy Museum) and for its proximity to the La Brea Tarpits. Primary arteries: Wilshire Blvd., Olympic Blvd., La Brea Ave.